Synthesis of Nb2O5 nanosheets and its electrochemical measurements

In this study, Nb2O5 nanosheets were first synthesized using NbO2 particles as the precursor via a simple hydrothermal route. The synthesized Nb2O5 nanosheets are highly crystalline and their thicknesses are found to be ca. 3–5 nm. Based on the experimental results of XRD, SEM and TEM measurements, a possible mechanism for the formation of nanosheets was discussed. An electrode materials made of the product containing Nb2O5 nanosheets shows a larger capacity of 355 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. Cyclic measurements indicate that such an electrode exhibits a high reversible charge/discharge capacity and cycling stability. This might be attributed to the intrinsic characteristics of Nb2O5 nanosheets.